Gracie Madigan Abrams emerged on the indie-pop scene not just as the daughter of famed director J.J. Abrams, but as a distinct voice in her own right. Born on September 7, 1999, in Los Angeles, she quickly built a devoted following, thanks to her confessional songwriting and haunting, whisper-soft vocals. For many fans, her music feels less like pop and more like an unguarded diary entry – an intimacy that set her apart from the start.
Abrams’ 2020 debut EP, “Minor,” introduced listeners to that unfiltered candor. Songs like “21” and “I miss you, I’m sorry” felt raw and homespun, capturing heartbreak and anxiety with an almost fragile vulnerability. That unpolished honesty turned heads – not least, Taylor Swift’s. Swift took such a liking to Abrams’ music that she invited her to open for her on The Eras Tour, adding another layer of visibility to the up-and-coming artist’s growing career.
Behind the scenes, Abrams has managed to walk the tricky line between sharing emotion in her art and keeping her personal life, well, personal. Unlike many of her peers, she generally avoids fueling rumors or responding to tabloid chatter, preferring to translate her experiences – romantic or otherwise – into music. Still, as her star has risen, so has the curiosity about her relationships.
Recently, rumors have hinted at a romance between Abrams and actor Paul Mescal. The two were spotted together at a handful of events in early 2023, prompting a swirl of speculation. Both, however, have kept tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying any connection. The ambiguity has only fueled further discussion, as tends to happen with young celebrities in the spotlight.
Earlier in her career, Abrams was in a more public relationship with producer Blake Slatkin. The pair dated from 2016 until around 2022, and collaborated on much of her early music – blending creative partnership with romance during the early phases of her career. Their breakup reportedly inspired several songs on her “This Is What It Feels Like” project, although Abrams has always chosen not to spell out the details.
Between 2022 and 2023, Abrams was occasionally seen together with Hayes Bradley, making brief appearances on social media that suggested they were together. As with much else in her life, she kept specifics out of the public eye.
There was also a fleeting wave of speculation about Abrams and actor Dylan O’Brien after they attended the same event in 2022. But with little evidence and no real story to chase, that rumor disappeared as quickly as it started – highlighting just how easily whispers can turn into headlines in the music industry.
In a rare moment of openness during a 2023 interview with NME, Abrams reflected, “The songs come from somewhere real – that’s all that matters to me. I’m still learning how much of myself to give away.” That balance – pulling from genuine experience, while preserving parts of her own story – seems to define her approach both to music and to life.
Past Relationships
Paul Mescal
Hayes Bradley
Dylan O'Brien
Blake Slatkin
No matter whom she’s dating, or what the rumor mill might say, what’s undeniable is Abrams’ ability to transform deeply personal moments into songs that speak directly to her fans. In an age obsessed with celebrity, that kind of connection – honest, vulnerable, and artistically alive – means far more than anything the tabloids could ever report.
